Willamalane Parks and Recreation District in Springfield is facing a staffing shortage that’s left several programs on hold as they look for new hires.
Program Manager Ryan Taxara oversees the Early Childhood Youth programs. He said pre-pandemic Willamalane would serve between 700-750 students across seven schools in the Springfield School District.
Now, Pre-K programs are at half capacity, and their offerings at four schools are on hold.
“About 120 to 150 families are on a holding or [are] on a waitlist until their schools site is available and open," he said. He adds they're not sure why there's a shortage, but noted the Springfield School District is also going through a similar challenge.
There are nearly 30 openings for positions like coaching and after-school programs. Taxara said staff involved with youth programs at schools will need to follow Oregon's guidance on vaccine requirements.
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